FAMILY, FRIENDS AND WAR HEROES by Darrell R. Fleming

A Review of:

                When I first read this book a different picture emerged.  At the first reading I was caught up in the heroism of the mother and her family of six children left to “keep the home fires burning” while the father of the household went off to fight in World War II.

On this, the second reading, a whole new picture unfolds.  This is a historian’s delight because of the diary kept by William Truman Fleming, the author’s father.  This diary is a daily account or log of the excitement, the danger, the friendships, the fear, and the boredom of a young man’s life during a war. 

This man’s life was aboard a ship; the USS Hopping, DE 155 which carried supplies wherever needed whether on the Atlantic  Ocean or the Pacific.

In this book Darrell Fleming, the author shows a superb command of language usage as well as storytelling talent.  It is difficult to write history in such a way that it informs but is not pedantic.  Rather than boring the reader Mr. Fleming entertains and enlightens.

The book is diligently researched and shows a devotion to making it authentic in every detail. The many pictures and records copied into the manuscript should make this book of archival value for World War II historical records of any place who seeks authentic data.

The pride and patriotism of the author colors every page in such a way that one comes away from the reading with a desire to go out and salute the flag.  He writes of a time when Americans loved America so much that they were willing to serve and sacrifice for a homeland endowed from on high with a new birth of freedom for all within its borders.

Not being of a military turn of mind I still left this book with a feeling that dedicated and brilliant commanders can lead men to perform dramatic and heroic deeds without once thinking of self.  The commander of the USS Hopping, DE 155 was just such a commander and the men serving under him did him and America proud.

I salute the author and all those brave young men who sailed with William Truman Fleming and fought to insure that we today can salute the flag and bravely say “God Bless the USA.

If you haven’t read this book and love authentic history then you would do well to get a copy.

Adda Leah Davis

Adda Leah Davis is the author of several popular books. Her website is www.goldenharvestcreations.com